Category Archives: News

I am writing to you today about the status of federal funding for the arts in the new Administration and U.S. Congress and about what you should do right now and over the coming months.

Last week on Thursday, January 19, I sent our Americans for the Arts members, stakeholders, and constituents at the local, state, and national levelsan alertcalling attention to an article in The Hill newspaper which reported that two Trump transition team advisors are recommending elimination of theNational Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I was asked to respond to this troubling news and gave interviews in the following publications:Washington Post,Variety,The Hill,andPaste Magazineamong others.

Also last Thursday, Nina Ozlu Tunceli, executive director of our affiliated grassroots advocacy organization Americans for the Arts Action Fund, sent anaction alertoutlining four quick action steps to its members. The Arts Action Fund websitewww.ArtsActionFund.orgwill continue to have the most up-to-date information about ongoing advocacy efforts and actions to take regarding federal funding for the arts. The Arts Action Fund is also working with state arts advocacy groups on a coordinated campaign that will be released next week.

Today, I sent a letter to President Trump asking him to preserve federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. But I would like the next letter that I send to the President to be accompanied by a petition signed by 100,000 Arts Action Fund members which can be foundhere. Over the coming weeks, I expect that there will be a number of opinion articles and targeted attacks regarding public funding for the arts. To help further explain what is-or isn’t-happening right now, Americans for the Arts has prepared a fewFAQsfrom questions the staff have already fielded. We also need to organize and galvanize our forces. Please sign the petitionand get at least five of your friends to do the same so we can raise our collective and individual voices with precision and in a unified manner.

I believe our collective job in the arts community is to tell our story and make our case again and again at the federal, state, and local levels. Below are the action steps I hope you will take as soon as possible:

Take two minutes tocontactyour two Senators and your House representatives now.

Jointhe Arts Action Fund (for free) so we can get alerts to you as quickly as possible and you can respond to decision-makers fast.

Work to get other colleagues to join the Arts Action Fund. We ask that you pledge to reach out to at least five board, staff, members, or audience members. Two national partners, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs and Blick Art Supply, brought in 42,000 members and 37,000 customers respectively to become arts advocates for our cause.

Register toattend National Arts Advocacy Day on March 20-21 in Washington, DC where you can add your voice in person.

Inform us of any specific actions impacting the arts in your community as a result of the President’s new executive order on sanctuary cities. Please send an e-mail to Ruby Harper atrharper@artsusa.org.

This is what you can do now, but we will circle back to you at several points along the timeline below to customize and target messages as the process unfolds.

We’ve created a Rapid Response Team here and put together a general timeline of what to expect:

The White House will issue dozens of sweeping executive orders and form new policy positions within the first 90 days.

Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund will release a coordinated petition, grassroots advocacy, social media, and advertising campaign in early February.

The President will address a joint session of Congress on February 28, 2017, and will likely present the Administration’s FY 2018 budget around this time.

Americans for the Arts is set to present National Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on March 21, 2017.

The US House of Representatives and specifically the House Appropriations Subcommittees will set initial FY 2018 funding levels for every federal agency in the Spring (March-May) of this year.

The federal government’s current FY 2017 Continuing Resolution Appropriations expires April 28, 2017, and we need to keep a watchful eye on continuation of federal funding for the arts through the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.

The US Senate and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees will finalize their positions by July 4.

A final conference committee agreement between the House and the Senate will be reached by leaders from these committees by September/October.

At the national level, Americans for the Arts will continue to coordinate with national, state, and local arts groups on advocacy efforts through:

Ongoing strategizing with our national arts service organization colleagues, especially the 85 national partners of National Arts Advocacy Day, on direct lobbying.

Ongoing strategizing with our local arts, state arts, and arts education advocacy colleagues, including the 50+ members of our State Arts Action Network, on grassroots lobbying.

Expanding and re-targeting our national advertising strategy.

Continuing press and interview pursuits such as the interviews from over this past weekend.

Strategizing with, and involving, key pro-arts leaders from business, government, and the arts who connect well with the new Administration.

Identifying incoming White House staff liaisons to the arts sector.

Just yesterday, President Trump signed anExecutive Orderthat could potentially deny certain cities, such as sanctuary cities, billions of dollars in federal grants, including NEA funds, if they do not follow new immigration enforcement protocols. Americans for the Arts is already developing strategies about a number of issues related to federal arts funding, and we are proactively investigating new opportunities for arts funding in the coming months; an example is legislation regarding expanding our nation’s infrastructure.

Finally, we are seeing that the current efforts to eliminate the NEA seem to be based on old Heritage Foundation arguments formulated more than two decades ago. Even though these arguments are dated, that does not mean they won’t have weight with new legislative listeners. The argument to eliminate or slash federal arts funding comes up every year, and your collective efforts have stopped that from happening in the past. But in the current political environment, it is critical that all of us redouble our efforts.

I think it is good to know what claims might be put forth so that we are all prepared with locally based strategies and answers. To help with this, our team is preparing rebuttals to each of these potential arguments which will bepostedon the Americans for the Arts and Action Fund websites and forwarded to Arts Action Fund members. This information can help you make a case for federal funding with your congressional representatives.

Americans for the Arts is committed to working with you to ensure that all Americans have access to the arts and that we protect and cultivate funding for the arts on the local, state, and federal level.

Allusions includes two-dimensional artworks and multi-dimensional (some interactive) installations presented by eleven uptown artists hailing from vastly different backgrounds and upbringings who share a message of multiculturalism and inclusiveness. The works explore immigration, cross-cultural existence, intersectionality, religion, politics, and current world events with an artistic vision to encourage empathy, understanding and tolerance.

The show opened last Wednesday, and they kind of featured my video projection. It was a big night for me. City Council members spoke, Borough President Ruth Messenger spoke. (not about me, but for the space). Anyway it was good. First time showing video, first time with a projection. It was real exciting, and it nearly killed me to get it done. So much technology. required between devices that don’t speak to each other! -Michael

Join me for a reading of my short play “Shirley and Iris”. Shirley is a retired 75 year old woman who recently lost her husband. Just as Shirley is ready to start a new chapter in her life, she is now charged to care for her 96 year old mother, Iris. As Iris struggles to hold on to her fading independence, she forgets to eat, take her medication, and battles with a daughter who makes her feel like a child, ultimately forcing these women to forge a connection, lost over the years. “Shirley and Iris” explores aging, care taking, and what it is to love.

It will be read by two brilliant actors: Marie Thomas and Carmen Delavalade (I’m so excited!), and directed by the great Elain Graham.

July 16th at 3PM.

GOING TO THE RIVER: founded by the late Curt Dempster and Elizabeth Van Dyke in 1999 at Ensemble Studio Theatre, NYC, for the purpose of developing, producing & providing a NYC ‘home base’ for a community of female playwrights of color. Join us for the 2016 season reading series of exciting plays!

Opening to huge acclaim in Mexico and nary any in ours, the Museum of the International Baroque in Puebla is unique — there is simply nothing like it in any other city or country.

Conceived by a distinguished Mexican diplomat and educator, Jorge Alberto Lozoya, it was taken on by the then-new governor of the state of Puebla, Rafael Moreno Valle Rosas, as a way both to bring tourists to its capital city and to instill pride in the locals. For Poblanos, as they call themselves, it had always been necessary to cross the great mountain range to visit museums in Mexico City. No longer.

Testimonials

I visited the 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist Residency in Chapala, Mexico for the entire month of April 2017. It was a perfect retreat for me. I loved watching the cowboys ride in on their horses. My work flourished, inspired by the other visiting artists and the tranquil nature of the town. I went to Ajijic and attended figure drawing and portrait sessions up to three times per week. I made new friends and felt encouraged in my writing and art making. I am so glad I had a chance to participate in this program. Chapala is a perfect place to get your work done with little distraction.

Anna Roach, Mixed Media-Seattle,WA

360 Xochi Quetzal was my first residency and I loved every bit of it. The opportunity to get away and single-task toward my writing instead of routinely multitasking was priceless. My studio was cute, clean, and well-equipped. Deborah and Sandra were very approachable, helpful, and I loved connecting with fellow-residents from different disciplines too. Most of all, the location of our residence across from the Malecón buzzing with artisans, vendors and restaurants offered to me just the right balance of isolation toward focused work and a community around. I hope to return soon.

Namrata Poddar, Writer-California

My time in Chapala was pivotal for me as a writer. You can’t understand the effect Chapala has until you arrive. Its splashes of color, rhythms and scenic beauty will inspire you. Scribbling away at Café Paris, locals ambling by, a cool glass of beer sweating on the table… I felt like Hemingway. This residency gave all that to me and more. It is a gift I continue to cherish; a feeling I look back on when in need of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation.

Sean Hammer, Writer – New York City

Everyone comes to the residency for different reasons. For me it was a time to reflect upon this whirlwind past year. I lead a hectic life and often feel like I run from exhibition to exhibition without time for contemplation. I really needed to slow down and think about the next direction for my work. I got that and a lot more! I finished two small projects and reveled in the beautiful environment. I was able see the Monarch butterfly migration and experience an indigenous fiesta with my fellow artists. I left the residency refreshed, with new friends and purpose!

Jenny Angus, Installation Artist - Madison, WI

I had no expectations when I headed to Mexico for a personal residency, and the entire experience was a wonderful surprise. I loved Chapala: its realness, its people, the lake, the restaurants, and especially my casita where I could work outside on the patio. I met wonderful people that made my trip even more enjoyable. I had no agenda as I worked, but I was pondering an exhibition for the following December. I didn’t realize until I returned home and began working on the show in earnest how beneficial the weeks in Chapala were. I will certainly return. http://loribgoodman.com/

Lori Goodman, Artist – Eureka, CA

My personal residency at 360 Xochi Quetzal was wonderfully productive and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a creative project that requires some quiet, focused time. The casita was lovely – spacious, fully furnished, very clean and stocked. The residency hosts, Cobra and Christian, are welcoming, fun and engaging. My casita was steps away from the Malecón and within walking or bike riding to Ajijic. The locals are friendly and engaging-quick to suggest a favorite taco stand or even invite you to join them for a hike. I will definitely be back!

Lenna Minion, Writer-Dubai

The 360 Xochi Quetzel Personal Residency Program was a perfect place for me to focus on my children’s book. I wanted an authentic Mexico experience where I would be submersed in the culture and language. Chapala was easy to get around and affordable. The Lopez Cotilla casita was cool, breezy and comfortable. It had everything I needed. I woke up in the morning to hummingbirds buzzing around a tree outside my window. Sunsets were beautiful from the outdoor terrace and an occasional dramatic thunderstorm just to let you know who is really in charge around here. Muchas Gracias!!

Kristin Balouch, Writer-Brooklyn, NY

We have one word to describe the our experience here at 360 Xochi Quetzal, and that is MAGIC! The casita is very spacious, allowing for lots of room to create. It is very comfortable and clean, and has everything you could possibly need for your personal residency. We especially enjoy spending time on the relaxing balcony. Cobra and Chris are available and very helpful. The Residency Handbook in the casita addresses all of our questions in detail and offers suggestions for things to try around the area. You will often hear live music in the early evening from the Malecon. It feels very safe here, and even more secure having the Red Cross right across the street. It has been a wonderful experience, and Kristen and I would like to return each year.

Orion Kugel, Photographer-New Hampshire

We have one word to describe the our experience here at 360 Xochi Quetzal, and that is MAGIC! The casita is very spacious, allowing for lots of room to create. It is very comfortable and clean, and has everything you could possibly need for your personal residency. We especially enjoy spending time on the relaxing balcony. Cobra and Chris are available and very helpful. The Residency Handbook in the casita addresses all of our questions in detail and offers suggestions for things to try around the area. You will often hear live music in the early evening from the Malecon. It feels very safe here, and even more secure having the Red Cross right across the street. It has been a wonderful experience, and Orion and I would like to return each year.

Kristen Pobatschnig, Painter-New Hampshire

“Applying for the free Winter residency of Xochi Quetzal was the start of many positive transformations. The silence I found for myself during the residency, allowed me not only to write the best last chapter I can write at this stage of my evolution, it also granted me a most sought-after introspection moment during which I read my dreams and studied ancient Eastern writings. The serenity of the lake and presence of other artists inspired me to get mentally ready and organized for my future as a novelist. I am particularly fond of spending the holidays abroad with ‘strangers’. It always infuses me with these wild insights and whims. Our group was just lovely, the artists one by one very interesting. Cobra and Christian are warm and graceful hosts who made life easy. All in all, Xochi Quetzal was a weighty meditation, a poetic experience that carried me through the rest of Mexico in newness and will resonate long after.”

Heidi Souffriau, Writer-Brussels

“I was partly inspired to apply for the Xochi Quetzal residency by The Retro Cocktail Hour — a popular Saturday night radio show on Kansas Public Radio 91.5 that features exotica music (a form of tropical jazz). My hope was for the palm trees, lakeside sunrises, and culture of Chapala & Mexico at large to inform my creative process. These elements did precisely that, and the generous hospitality of Cobra & her partner Christian provided me with a cozy composing environment.”

Note from Staff: Listen to the music created during Andrew’s residency -Winter 2016

Chapala is a safe, spiritually charged, beautiful place. Wild horses run through town. It’s a place where you greet strangers on the street.

I walked along the lake in meditation a great deal. I hiked the looming cerro overlooking town. I biked all over the countryside. I wrote, documented, created composed soundscapes utilizing field recordings, and built small maquette light sculptures based on my experiences. I attended traditional temazcals, and sat alone in cathedrals.

It was pivotal for me in a spiritual sense more than a career advancing experience. I’m very grateful for it, and Deborah Kruger is a wonderful advocate to keep in contact with. I truly recommend the residency.

Justin R. Lytle, Sculptor-California

My residency at 360 Xochi Quetzal in summer 2015 was both restorative and productive. I was inspired by the beautiful studio and the surrounding Chapala / Jalisco region. The setting worked well for me in terms of inspiring and completing new work, and learning the history and customs of the area. The flexible residency requirements allowed an easy engagement with other residents, and encouraged me to participate in Chapala and Guadalajara communities. There are many contemporary art venues in Guadalajara, which are an easy bus ride from Chapala.

Michael Pribich, Sculptor-New York City

“Not only was this residency situated in one of the most beautifully mystical, culturally resonant, and stimulating settings imaginable, it also managed to be both peaceful and galvanizing: the perfect combination for immersing oneself in a creative project without hesitation or distraction. Deborah and Christian’s home was an oasis. One of my fellow residents remarked to me that “this place has amazing energy for getting work done,” and I wholeheartedly agree: the atmosphere seemed to hum with a low-key, generative productivity, one that helped me get closer than I’d been in many months to actually fully realizing and finishing a long story. I wish I was still there among the bougainvillea, the jade vines, the dogs and the pelicans.”

Suzanne K. Rivecca, Author-San Francisco, CA

Chapala has become my home away from home. The Xochi Quetztal residency is run efficiently. Cobra and her team are friendly, accessible, and professional. My stay in Chapala is enhanced by the personal relationships I have developed with several of the team members. The casita I stay in is very well maintained and fully equipped. The studio area is large and ready for me to engage in art as soon as I arrive. The weather is always fantastic. The lake, the town(s), the life, the restaurants, the view, the very friendly local people all call me back again and again. I love it!

Zahava Sherez, Sculptor-Oakland, CA

“This was the most work I’ve ever done in a single month in my life. I will never forget what an incredible experience this was and I thank you for honoring me with a residency at 360 Xochi Quetzal. The reference material I gathered throughout the trip to Chapala, Mexico is going to fuel my work for years to come. Thank you for everything! You run an incredible residency program!!!”